Anemia reduces exercise capacity and negatively impacts quality of life in patients with COPD, according to study results.
Researchers at University of Verona in Italy conducted a retrospective analysis of 105 patients with COPD who attended the university’s outpatient clinic from January 2013 to December 2013. The researchers assessed the prevalence of anemia and the association of hemoglobin level with shortness of breath, exercise capacity and health-related quality of life among the cohort.
Anemia was present in 12.3% of the patients, and 6.7% had polycythemia. Patients with anemia had more severe COPD in terms of forced expiratory volume in 1 second and had greater mean Medical Research Council dyspnea scores, shorter mean 6-minute walking distance, and lower peak VO2 results than patients without anemia.
Anemia Reduces Exercise Capacity and QOL in COPD Patients
could you please explain the above findings, as I have been diagnosed with anemia.. I never have heard the doctor explain why, nor the numbers you refer to regarding the way I would breath… I am tired, weak, and really get winded upon physical work, however I can talk up a blue storm, most days… leaves me wondering how I can do that… I don’t understand the pft test results, my lungs are described at age 84… explain the negative impact this anemia has on copd. regarding the vo2 number, and in ability to draw in a deep breath… thank you so much..